Diet and Memory

2009-01-26

By: Libby Znaimer

Want to improve your memory? A diet may be the answer.

German scientists tested healthy women aged 50 to 80 who reduced their calorie intake by 30 percent for three months. Not only did the test subjects lose weight, their scores on verbal memory tests also shot up by 20 percent.

These results are very dramatic, according to the researchers who published their findings in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Why the big improvement?

The researchers showed that women who cut calories became more sensitive to the blood sugar– regulating hormone insulin and had a drop in a protein that causes inflammation. Both factors have been linked to an improvement in brain function.

The findings add to growing evidence that calorie restriction can benefit health and longevity. Some Scientists say eating less isn’t the only way to get this effect. Exercise appears to exert similar effects on brain function by boosting insulin sensitivity and fighting inflammation.